Pianist, composer and producer Brian Connor has been remembered as an “extraordinary musician” as well as a “wonderful man”.
The multi-talented musician worked and travelled the world with artists including Sinéad O’Connor, Eleanor McEvoy, Van Morrison and Mary Coughlan.
He was also a musical director on Broadway and with the huge Riverdance production that toured the world, as well as being involved in numerous orchestral performances.
A “heartbroken” Eleanor McEvoy said he was a “a wonderful pianist, a brilliant arranger and a consummate musician”.
I am heartbroken that we have lost Brian Connor who died this morning. A wonderful pianist, a brilliant arranger & a consummate musician. We travelled the world & it was a privilege to work with him. He bore his long illness with incredible grace & fortitude. Farewell Captain 💔 pic.twitter.com/9aRwNSLa7J
— Eleanor McEvoy (@eleanormcevoy) December 28, 2024
“We travelled the world and it was a privilege to work with him. He bore his long illness with incredible grace & fortitude. Farewell Captain.”
Mary Coughlan also said he was a “wonderful man and gifted musician”.
“A kind and extraordinary human being, I worked with him since 1988 on many projects and we toured the world together.
“During Covid we did many care home gigs with the Mobile Music Machine. I spent a long time yesterday thinking of the great fun times we shared.”
Ulster Orchestra said he had been a guest pianist on many occasions, his “subtle and sensitive playing enhancing many of our pops concerts and BBC programmes for broadcast”.
“Brian was an extraordinary all-round musician, and wonderful colleague. He will be very much missed by all who worked with him.”
Newry Chamber Music said it had also been fortunate to collaborate with “one of Ireland’s most extraordinarily talented pianists, composers and arrangers”.
“These moments of collaboration will remain with us as treasured memories, reminders of Brian’s extraordinary talent, kindness, and generosity of spirit.
“His creativity and artistry touched so many lives.”
Mr Connor, late of east Belfast, died on December 28 and a service will take place at S Clarke & Sons Funeral Church, Newtownards on January 9.